Driving the sustainability agenda: a wakeup call for hospitality education

Abstract

PurposeThis concluding article identifies the varying perspectives and research findings that emanate from the collection of articles in this theme issue. It also revisits the theme issue question and provides some directions for further research in the form of a call for action based on the key findings of this issue. It is apparent that there is an urgent need for hospitality education in the higher education sector to give space and focus to sustainability practices in their curriculum and ensure that the content is embedded and delivered in a contemporary way. Further, the faculty should be up-to-date and understand their role as drivers of the sustainability footprint for tourism and hospitality. The authors argue that hospitality education not only needs to catch up but also make a determined effort to lead applied research that can inform the industry in terms of what and how more can be done to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism activity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a content analysis of the article collection in this theme issue: How is hospitality education embedding sustainable practices in their curriculum and programme delivery? An Asian perspective is considered here in order to summarize, conclude and suggest some next steps.FindingsThere is an urgent need to support and advance the cause of sustainability in tourism and hospitality, especially in the Asian context. The paper identifies key steps that need to be taken by the hospitality higher education sector in order to contribute to the larger goal of sustainable practices that can be easily understood and adopted by those managing hospitality businesses.Originality/valueThe paper documents the theme issue findings and provides a collaborative research agenda based on the findings of the theme issue writing team.